[Natural killer cells (CD56, CD16) as a factor of local antitumor immunity in breast cancer].

Two groups of malignancies with significantly distinct ratios of Ki-67 and CD16 expression were identified. Significant direct and inverse correlations between the markers were established (p < 0.01) whereas either group revealed two contradicting patterns of immune response. Whatever hormone receptor, natural killer cells (IKC) (CD16) levels correlated directly with tumor size and lymph node incidence (p < 0.01). IKC (CD56) did not contribute to breast tumor response. Our findings on CD16 expression may be used as criteria in prognosis prediction.